16 May 2009
For the Win: Pacquiao- Hatton project a success!
May 3, 2009.
The most anticipated match of the year for the IBO light welter weight crown, Pacquiao VS Hatton, “The Battle of East and West”, was also the most anticipated day for ABM, which served as a host for the pay-per-view show. Little did its members know that it [would dictate the future of their organization.]
The pay-per-view was set at Henry Lee Irwin Theater of Ateneo de Manila University. As early as 8 AM, customers, reserved and walk-ins alike, lined up to get good seats for the much awaited fight of the year. From one under card match to another, as the main event drew near, customers started pouring in the theater that the org had their hands full.
Finally, it was time for the main event. Customers and org members alike rushed in the theater to watch the entrance of both fighters. As the bell rang for the 1st round, the theater became quiet as the fighters started to survey each other, looking for an opening. Barely 51 seconds after the bell rang, the theater whipped into a frenzy as a right hook brought down the Briton. A one-two left the entire theater in awe right before the end of the first round.
With 2 knockdowns in just the 1st round, the theater was exploding with cheers that fell silent again as the 2nd round bell rang. This time, the theater was starting to feel uneasy as the Briton started to be on the offensive. Just 9 seconds before the 2nd round ended, the theater again had exploded into cheers as Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao delivered a stunning left hook to the jaw that floored Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton permanently.
ABM treasurer Joseph John Sanchez would not divulge the exact amount of the total profit for the event but described it as “kickass.”
- Merlin Sanicas